As part of this year’s National Care Leavers’ Week (25 to 31 October) Plymouth City Council, in partnership with Barnardos Care Journeys are highlighting the difference that community support can make to the lives of care experienced young people.
Care Leaver’s Week is not only an opportunity to celebrate the successes of care experienced young people but also to raise awareness of the challenges they face and the additional support they need.
The Care Leaver’s Service in Plymouth currently supports over 260 young people aged 18 to 25. Many are juggling the challenges of pursuing their studies or finding employment, while developing life skills, often without the support networks that their peers may have from family and other networks.
The focus of this year’s Care Leavers Week in Plymouth will be looking at how the Council, its partners and the local community can work together to improve the lives of care leavers now and in the future.
A young person who attended the You Can Do It care leavers awards last week said: “The fact that we have awards is good, it’s good that we are recognised and acknowledged …it brings us all together.” In thinking about the importance of Care Leavers Week, a young person said: “Care Leavers Week is a good way to appreciate Care Leavers and remember that we are capable of achieving great things.”
A Community approach means that each and every individual in the city may have something to offer a care experienced person. This support could come in many different ways it could be donating tickets or goods to young people, offering a discount in a local business, mentoring a young person, offering work experience or even considering working with us regarding apprenticeship or job opportunities.
Councillor Dave Downie, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: "We are absolutely committed to working with our partners to improve the life chances of children and young people in Plymouth. We know our care leavers can face additional challenges which is why we need to work together to make sure they are fully supported in the transition from care to independence.
“If we take a whole community approach to supporting and providing services to care leavers we can raise awareness and provide every young person with the care, understanding and opportunity that they need to achieve their goals, to reduce their isolation and reach their full potential as they transition from care to adulthood. For this to be successful we all have to work together.”
If anyone would like to know more about how they may be able to support care leaver in Plymouth please contact the team via email Permanency1@plymouth.gov.uk